M10.2 Blog about MSDS and ToxNet

I obtained an MSDS from a hospital in Los Angeles that my brother works at. The chemical was hydrochloric acid. 

What are the health risks associated with this chemical? 
According to the MSDS:Inhalation may provoke coughing, wheezing, respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, inflammation and edema of the larynx and/or bronchi, spasm, pneumonitis, and pulmonary edema. If it comes in contact with skin it causes burns. It is corrosive to eyes.

Is the chemical a carcinogen? 
This chemical is not classified as a carcinogen. 

What personal protective equipment or special precautions should be taken when working with this chemical?
For eye and face protection, one should wear a face shield (8 inch minimum) or tight-fitting safety goggles. Nitrile rubber gloves must be worn to protect skin; wash and dry hands after handling. A complete body suit protecting against chemicals can be worn, but "the type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific  workplace."  For respiratory protection is states to use a full-face supplied air respirator if the respirator is the sole means of protection. Additionally, it should be kept in its original container, may be corrosive to metals, and should be used either outdoors or in a well-ventilated area only. This product should not go down the drain.

If this is a chemical found in your workplace, what training/education were you given about any risks associated with this chemical?
Per the MSDS, the identified uses include laboratory chemicals and synthesis of substances. My brother is a nurse, and when asked if he had any education on handling hydrochloric acid he said he could not recall. As a nurse myself, I don't remember handling hydrochloric acid when I worked in the hospital. I remember having training and education for chemicals that were used for chemotherapy. Perhaps since the use of hydrochloric acid is for synthesis of substances, maybe pharmacists or lab personnel use it more in the hospital setting. 

Look up the chemical using the ToxNet databases you mastered while viewing the enviRN-EVIDENCE program. Were there any discrepancies regarding the potential health effects noted in the MSDS?
On ToxNet, I found much of the same information. Hydrochloric acid was listed as corrosive to skin and severe effects expected when there is exposure to the eyes. Reduced vision or blindness may occur. The irritation to mucosa is so severe that if there is an exposure in the workplace, employees must evacuate shortly after detection. I also found information stating that dental decay, changes in tooth structure, yellowing, softening and breaking of the teeth, and related digestive diseases are frequent after exposures to hydrochloric acid.

Was the MSDS an adequate tool for a worker to use to gain an understanding about the potential health risks and how to protect him/herself? (Consider that the general public reads at a reading level at or below 6th grade, and that's if English is their first language.)
I thought that the MSDS created for this chemical we pretty clear. I didn't find it to be confusing and the vocabulary used was easy to understand, for the most part. The chemical makeup and components listed may have been difficult to understand, but the most important information would be precautions to take and what to do if you were exposed. Both of those topics were adequately covered with clear directions on what to do regarding accidental exposure, handling and safety, personal protection and safe disposal.